Thomas Burette Dixon was born Dec. 22, 1942, in Statesville NC. He left this world June 21, 2022, looking out over his beloved Intracoastal Waterway near Holden Beach NC.
Tom was predeceased by his mother, Norma Smoot Dixon, his father, Homer Burette Dixon, and his older sister, Catherine Dixon Pope.
He is grieved by his younger brother, Allen Dixon; his nieces and nephews, Steven Pope (Stephanie, Josh and Matt Walden), Mary Beth Pope (David), Abigail Brant (Steve, John,
Nick, and Chloe); his cousins, and countless friends and colleagues.
Tom grew up in the family grocery and restaurant business, then joined the US Navy after high school. He worked in aviation electronics at Port Magoo, CA, specifically with the Blue Angels planes. Several years later, he returned to Statesville to help start the Dixon Seafood restaurant. Eventually, Tom started his own business. Many remember him as the long-time owner of Junk ‘N Stuff
in Statesville. Despite the store name, Tom built a reputation on quality home and decorating products at reasonable prices. He enjoyed giving a bargain as much as he enjoyed getting one.
In addition to bargain hunting, Tom enjoyed fishing, cooking, and entertaining friends. In the early 2000’s, he sold his thriving business to focus on those. Nothing made him happier than boating to the Gulf Stream to catch wahoo, mahi-mahi, and other deep sea fish, then grilling them for friends. Whatever Tom did, he did well. He was a faithful, generous friend, who brought joy to every encounter, whether it was an oyster roast, a yard sale, or a game of bocce ball.
Peace be with you, Tom. Your passing has turned off a bright light in our world.
No date has been set for Tom’s memorial service.
2 Comments
Tom was a very good friend for a very long time. When one of us slips the bonds of earth, the memories of the good times come rushing back. Memories like cruising Lake Norman in’ Moby Dick’, scuba diving for fishing lures and golf balls to sell, riding top down in the Chevy II to ‘Napoli Italiano Restrante’ for a 36 inch pizza, meeting girls at Cherry Grove, and creating ‘The Cave’ above the museum. We did it all for years, and loved every minute of it. But then we grew up, got a job, and things changed. We are still the same people, just with more weight on our shoulders. Rest in Peace, Tom. I’ll miss you.
We enjoyed being Tom’s neighbor and friends for over 15 years. I was shocked and very saddened to hear of his death. He will be missed by so many friends in NC. My condolences to Tom’s family and to ‘his Mary’ at this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
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